The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of inducing some of its candidates to defect with money, political appointments and other material incentives, describing the development as “good riddance to bad rubbish.”
The party made the allegation in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., in reaction to the reported defection of some of its candidates to the APC.
The NDC alleged that the defections were motivated by financial considerations, accusing the ruling party of deploying what it described as desperate and malicious tactics to weaken its ranks ahead of the forthcoming elections.
It said the affected candidates lacked the values and ideological commitment expected of its members, adding that their departure would not derail the party’s political ambitions.
“For those who have fallen for this bait, it is clear that they lack the values, virtues, and ideological commitment associated with our great party. They were never truly of us. To them, we say good riddance to bad rubbish, and we wish them luck in their political misadventures,” the statement said.
The opposition party further announced plans to conduct fresh congresses to select replacement candidates in the affected constituencies, saying the exercise would be carried out in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
It also urged its members, supporters and Nigerians sympathetic to its cause not to be discouraged by the alleged defections, describing them as part of the ruling party’s efforts to undermine its growing political influence.
“These are the last kicks of a dying horse that has seen the handwriting on the wall of its imminent defeat,” the party declared.
Reaffirming its commitment to its political mission, the NDC said it remained determined to challenge what it called the grip of political interests on the country and pursue improved governance, security and prosperity for Nigerians.
“The NDC remains resolutely committed to its historic mission of rescuing our country from the vice grip of the buccaneers in power and giving Nigerians the good governance, security, and prosperity they so richly desire,” the statement added.
